Product Manager Job Description

Key responsibilities

• 👥 Collaborate across teams Product Managers bridge the gap between what engineers can build and what customers actually need. They translate technical constraints for marketing teams and customer insights for developers. This cross-functional collaboration turns siloed departments into cohesive teams working toward shared goals rather than competing priorities.
• 📈 Define product vision and strategy Great products don't happen by accident. Product Managers craft clear visions that give teams direction beyond just feature lists. They analyse market opportunities to determine not just what could be built, but what should be built.
• 🔍 Conduct market research: Product Managers dig beneath surface-level trends to understand genuine user needs. They combine quantitative data with qualitative insights from customer interviews and competitive analysis.
• 🛠 Oversee product development: From concept to launch, Product Managers guide teams through each development phase. They make tough prioritisation decisions, remove obstacles, and keep everyone focused on delivering value rather than just features.
• 📊 Evaluate product performance After launch, Product Managers analyse what's working and what isn't. They track key metrics that reveal the truth behind user behaviour while gathering feedback that explains the "why" behind the numbers.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field: A strong educational foundation helps Product Managers understand market trends, business models, and strategy. This knowledge supports their ability to balance competing priorities and make informed decisions.
• Hands-on product management experience: Nothing beats real-world experience guiding products from idea to launch. Experienced Product Managers have dealt with delays, shifting priorities, and tough trade-offs, learning when to push forward and when to pivot.
• Strong analytical skills: Great Product Managers turn data into strategy. By identifying trends in user behaviour and market shifts, they make evidence-based decisions that focus resources on what customers actually need.
• Proficiency in product management tools: Using tools like Jira, Asana, or Productboard, Product Managers track development, manage backlogs, and communicate roadmaps. Technical fluency helps keep teams aligned and stakeholders informed.

Career path and opportunities

A career in product management is full of opportunities for growth. Many start as Product Managers, learning the fundamentals of product development, strategy, and execution before taking ownership of their own projects as full Product Managers.
With experience, progression to Senior Product Manager means leading cross-functional teams, shaping long-term product vision, and influencing company strategy. From there, high-performing professionals can advance to roles like Product Director or Head of Product, managing entire product lines and driving business growth.
For those with strong leadership and strategic vision, executive roles like Chief Product Officer (CPO) or VP of Product offer the chance to shape company direction and industry impact. Some product managers even branch into consulting or entrepreneurship, using their expertise to build and launch their own ventures.

Related job titles

• Product Owner
• Project Manager
• Program Manager
• Product Marketing Manager
• Business Analyst
• UX/UI Designer
• Product Development Manager
• Product Strategist
• Chief Product Officer
• Technical Product Manager
• Product Director
• Agile Coach

Example job description

Job title: Product Manager

Job overview: As a Product Manager, you'll sit at the intersection of business strategy, customer insights, and technical possibilities. You'll translate vague customer pain points into concrete solutions, make the tough calls on which features to cut, and rally diverse teams around a shared vision.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute product strategies that align with company goals
• Work closely with marketing, sales, and development teams to ensure seamless execution
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and areas for improvement
• Define product requirements, create detailed specifications, and oversee development
• Analyse user feedback and data to drive continuous product improvements
• Manage the product lifecycle from concept to launch and beyond

Required qualifications:

• Experience as a Product Manager or in a related role
• Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to analyse market trends and translate customer needs into strategy
• Experience with Agile development methodologies

Preferred qualifications:

• Degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Experience in a similar industry or with similar products
• Familiarity with product management tools

Perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance bonuses
• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• Professional development support and career growth opportunities
• Wellness programs, including gym memberships and health check-ups
• A collaborative and engaging team culture with social events and team-building activities

Frequently asked questions

What does a Product Manager do?

A Product Manager acts as the bridge between different teams, steering the direction of a product from conception to launch. They blend business, technology, and user perspectives to ensure that the product delivers value and meets market demands. Their role involves understanding customer needs, analysing market trends, and working closely with cross-functional teams to align products with the company's goals.

What are their key duties and responsibilities?

Product Managers are responsible for defining the product vision and strategy, often beginning with extensive market research and competitive analysis. They prioritise product features, create a roadmap, and coordinate with development, design, and marketing teams to ensure smooth product execution. Additionally, they collect and analyse feedback post-launch to iterate and improve the product, consistently striving to meet or exceed user expectations.

What makes a great Product Manager?

A great Product Manager possesses a mix of strategic thinking and detail orientation, with the ability to see the big picture while managing intricate project details. They are excellent communicators and collaborators, adept at rallying diverse teams towards a common objective. Strong problem-solving skills, market insight, and empathy towards user needs make them stand out, enabling them to craft products that genuinely resonate with and fulfill users' requirements.